Here’s the thing.

I dislocated me shoulder a month or so ago, for the third time, and subsequently had to be off work (while I recuperated and waited for an operation to repair the cuff etc.) and make a claim on the mandatory insurance policy that we all have to have to play football.

It was a major ball ache, getting me GP to fill it in (at my cost) and also my employers, finding out the name of the doctor who treated me in casualty along with a host of other stuff, but worthwhile as the £50 a week would help towards the considerable shortfall between the £85 ssp and my bills.

So I sends it off and within a few days I get a letter back saying that they aren’t going to pay out as its a pre existing condition, or words to that effect; despite that fact that both previous times I’ve done this particular injury it was playing Northern League football and covered by the relevant sports guard policy at the time, which I didn’t claim for (as I was unemployed the first time and didn’t stay off work the second).

So my question is this, if we HAVE to have this policy, but it doesn’t cover anything that’s previously been injured, then what is the point? Being in my fortieth year, I’ve injured, broken, sprained and dislocated almost everything, so what exactly will I be covered for?

For me, somebody somewhere is making a small fortune collecting the tens of thousands of £6's from every player and coming up with patter like this to prevent paying out.

Has anybody else had any experience, good or bad, of claiming on their policies?

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http://www.pitchero.com/clubs/vetsreunitedfc/
http://southshieldsfc.info/

Felix - I used to work for a claims department in an insurance company. Did you have to divulge any previous injuries before taking the policy out? If not, then i would go back to them and ask to speak to someone senior. This type of clause is normally input on Critical Illness policies in case someone takes the policy out when they have already been diagnosed with an illness. They are not usually included for instances such as this.

I'm guessing you were never shown a copy of the policy prior to making the claim. Is it a "group scheme", and you just paid your money in good faith. I would also ask to see a copy of the relevant policy and ask they point out where this type of incident is specifically excluded. As you said, if this is the case, then hardly anyone would be able to claim as most footballers have had some sort of previous injuries.

If i were you i wouldn't take this lying down. If you get no joy ask for their complaints proceedure and who you can report this to, ie the FSA or Insurance Ombudsman.

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Quit your Jibba Jabba

yes mate totally agree with u, someone some where, is making a tidy little packet incident involving a player from b/auckland cockton hill wmc player lost three front teeth and insurance wont payout dnt no the full reason given 4 not paying out if you want to no more spk to manager/secretary @ cockton hill wmc fc contact in durham hand book

That is shocking for something that was a complete accident

Just paid my £6 and signed on for a Sunday team...not seen the policy documents though, basically someone is making a fair whack and we're getting nowt? Not paying out for teeth getting knocked out pointless having it, but of course you have to have it or else

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Darlington FC

Anyone fancy a banjo duel?

Makes you question if the relevent leagues or FA`s get their little coffers filled by insisting that clubs/players take this insurance out. At the end of the day if you are injured playing football and hospitals/doctors/referee`s confirm the incident then the insurance should pay out. What would happen if every club and every player took their chances and told the league/FA to shove it? You lose nowt,they wont pay you anyway!!!